Buster Keaton even in his absence, leaves an enduring legacy that resonates through the ages, echoing across centuries. Here are some finest art he portrayed in his era. Read till the end!
Buster Keaton, often hailed as the ultimate master of silent-film comedy, surpassed his contemporaries Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd with his unmatched creativity in the 1920s.
His somber yet resolute approach to filmmaking produced a timeless body of work that continues to captivate audiences.
Keaton’s stoic on-screen persona challenged the norms of mainstream cinema as he ventured beyond traditional comedy into more dramatic territories.
This evolution is particularly evident in three of his directorial works from the mid-1920s: Seven Chances (1925), Battling Butler (1926), and The General (1926).
Each film showcases Keaton’s growth as an artist, presenting distinct comedic tones and cinematic styles.
Also Read More: Lily Gladstone Plastic Surgery Before And After: What Is Wrong With Her Face?
Buster Keaton: Evolution As An Artist
Seven Chances is an example of Keaton infusing his personal touch and style into material that was not custom-tailored for him.
The plot, which might have seemed more suited for Harold Lloyd, revolves around a stockbroker who, on a particular day, learns that he will inherit $7 million if he gets married by 7 p.m. that evening, leaving him with only a few hours to find a bride.
Under Keaton’s direction, this premise transforms from a traditional comedy into a surreal and nightmarish adventure, highlighting the epic scale of his filmmaking prowess.
Seven Chances: One of The Greatest In Movie History
In a display of masterful pacing, Seven Chances gracefully weaves a natural rhythm that heightens the comedic charm of its individual scenes, particularly as Buster Keaton navigates through a series of proposals and rejections en route to the wedding altar.
As described by Keaton’s biographer Rudi Blesh, the film unfolds with a deliberate initial pace, only to accelerate exponentially towards its riveting conclusion.
The film’s deliberate and systematic tempo culminates in a cinematic spectacle for the ages.
Buster is pursued by many potential brides and a relentless cascade of boulders across the picturesque Southern California landscape.
Shot entirely on location and framed with expansive long shots, this gripping 20-minute sequence is propelled by Keaton’s awe-inspiring athleticism and the impeccable precision of its editing.
In a captivating 1965 interview with British film critic John Gillett, Buster Keaton eloquently detailed the intricate process behind shooting the breathtaking chase scene in “The Seven Chances.”
With a meticulous approach to maintaining the integrity of his gags, Keaton explained his aversion to abrupt close-ups, preferring to sustain the action in expansive long shots to ensure a seamless and continuous flow.
Keaton’s unparalleled ability to blend his unyielding deadpan demeanor with a profound mastery of the cinematic medium is evident in “Seven Chances.”
The film transcends mere comedic farce, delving into a poignant exploration of relentless romance, where evading deadly boulders becomes a more favorable pursuit than the pursuit of love.
Through this lens, the film juxtaposes pain with redemption, shedding light on the profound gravity underlying Keaton’s comedic genius.
Battling Butler: Pave The Way For Keaton’s Masterpiece
In a departure from his usual comedic repertoire, Battling Butler stands as Buster Keaton’s closest venture into the realm of dramatic filmmaking.
Despite being considered one of his less acclaimed works by modern critics, the film held a special place in Keaton’s heart and emerged as a commercial success, surpassing the earnings of any of his silent features.
Moreover, its directorial innovation and thematic depth blazed a trail for Keaton’s magnum opus, The General.
While retaining the essence of a traditional Keaton comedy, Battling Butler exudes a restrained and tender ambiance that erupts into an unexpected display of violent fury.
Buster portrays the effeminate and sheltered Alfred Butler, a wealthy young man who, while camping in the mountains, falls in love with a local girl.
In a bid to win the approval of the girl’s family, he willingly assumes the identity of the nearby heavyweight boxer, Battling Butler.
However, the malicious champion uncovers the deception and plots to destroy Alfred.
In a departure from his usual comedic flair, director Keaton opts for a severe portrayal, resulting in a compelling narrative.
Alfred endures a brutal assault in the champion’s dressing room, witnessed by the girl. The visceral impact of the blows is palpable, leaving Alfred bloodied and humiliated as he gazes into the girl’s fearful eyes.
What ensues is a chilling transformation as the once feeble Alfred retaliates against the boxer, ultimately triumphing and winning both the girl’s affection and a personal victory.
This poignant scene culminates with Alfred strolling through the streets of New York, clad in his top hat and boxing trunks, marking a powerful turning point in the film.
Alfred’s striking shift in demeanor at the conclusion of Battling Butler leaves a lasting impression, marking a departure from his usual comedic persona.
This departure did not go unnoticed by critics, with Walter Kerr noting in his 1975 study that Keaton allowed a greater urgency to permeate the narrative, shifting away from pure comedy towards a more profound portrayal of character.
Keaton’s ability to transcend genre as both an actor and filmmaker is evident in Battling Butler, particularly in the realistic and influential fight sequence, which left a mark on future filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese.
Scorsese, inspired by Keaton’s approach, emphasized the importance of capturing the essence of boxing in the ring, a sentiment that underscored Keaton’s unique insight into portraying the sport on screen.
The impact of Battling Butler extended beyond the realm of cinema, as Keaton’s co-writer Clyde Bruckman was so impressed by the film that he presented Keaton with a book that would inspire The General.
This collaboration led to the creation of Keaton’s most outstanding feature. This cinematic masterpiece has endured over 93 years since its debut, resonating with audiences across generations and solidifying Keaton’s legacy as a visionary filmmaker.
The General: Insights Into Keaton’s Personal Artistic Vision
Keaton’s lofty aspirations as a filmmaker often escape the notice of historians and critics despite being overshadowed by his peers.
While Chaplin opted for studio filming for The Gold Rush, Keaton’s relentless pursuit of authenticity led to 90 percent of The General being shot on location in Oregon.
His directive to his crew exemplifies Keaton’s uncompromising quest for perfection: “It’s got to be so authentic it hurts.”
The outcome was a definitive Civil War epic, with Dev Jennings and Bert Haines’ remarkable cinematography evoking the photographic naturalism akin to that of Mathew Brady.
As an independent filmmaker for most of the 1920s, Buster Keaton had access to Hollywood’s resources, enabling him to craft a profoundly personal work akin to Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane, disregarding commercial considerations.
Looking back, The General delves into the historical subject matter and provides profound insights into Buster Keaton artistic vision and unwavering dedication to his craft, revealing as much about him as it does about the historical narrative.
Orson Welles, a fervent admirer of Keaton, lauded The General during the 1971 PBS series The Silent Years, hailing it as the quintessential Civil War movie.
Buster Keaton praised its unparalleled beauty and authentic portrayal, emphasizing its unique blend of absurd elements with a distinct dignity devoid of Chaplinesque sentiment.
Welles went on to express that visually, The General surpassed Gone With the Wind by a significant margin, underscoring its stunning cinematic impact.
The film epitomizes the harmonious integration of man and machine, using the backdrop of the Civil War to orchestrate a larger-than-life adventure.
It is a testament to Keaton’s ingenuity in prop implementation and character portrayal, showcasing his mastery in both aspects.
Keaton’s guiding principle of “think slow, act fast” encapsulates his approach to creating this inventive historical chase, highlighting his meticulous and calculated craftsmanship.
A recurring theme in Keaton’s work is the triumph of the outsider who relies on his own resourcefulness.
Portraying engineer Johnnie Gray, Keaton navigates through intricate obstacles in a world where the irrational often seems rational. His character exhibits unwavering determination to confront daunting challenges and prove himself to a society that initially rejects him.
Unlike Chaplin and Lloyd, Keaton’s emotionally detached persona lacks the luxury of self-pity; instead, he forges ahead relentlessly, embodying a life that has become an unending pursuit.
In bringing his cinematic vision to life, Buster Keaton crafted a mysterious and boundless universe where the tragicomic essence of Seven Chances, Battling Butler, and The General invites viewers to immerse themselves in surrealistic struggles—running and fighting for survival.
This enduring poetic quality of Keaton’s work transcends mere slapstick comedy, offering a more profound, more expansive portrayal of American individualism, delving into the timeless and enigmatic aspects of the human experience.
Also Read More: Kevin Hart Sister Name: Brother Robert Hart Wikipedia And Age
